In a significant development regarding the recent theft of crown jewels from the Louvre Museum in Paris, authorities have confirmed the arrest of several suspects. The Paris prosecutor announced on Sunday that these arrests occurred a week after the audacious heist, which has drawn international attention and shock.
According to reports from the Paris prosecutor's office, arrests were made on Saturday evening, with one individual apprehended while attempting to leave France from the Charles de Gaulle Airport. French media outlets, including BFM TV and Le Parisien, indicated that two suspects were detained in connection with the theft. However, prosecutor Laure Beccuau has not confirmed the exact number of arrests or whether any stolen jewels have been recovered during this initial phase of the investigation.
The theft, which occurred last Sunday morning, lasted less than eight minutes and resulted in the loss of jewels valued at approximately 88 million euros (around $102 million). Reports indicate that the intruders employed a basket lift to access the museum's façade, forcibly opened a window, smashed display cases, and swiftly escaped. The Louvre's director described the incident as a “terrible failure,” highlighting the vulnerability of one of the world's most-visited museums.
Prosecutor Beccuau expressed concern over the premature leaks of information, which could potentially hinder the efforts of the more than 100 investigators dedicated to recovering the stolen artifacts and capturing all involved in the crime. She stated that further details would be disclosed once the suspects complete their custody period.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez commended the investigators for their commitment and hard work throughout this challenging case. The Louvre, having reopened earlier this week, has been at the center of discussions regarding one of the most significant museum thefts of the century—a crime that some have likened to the tragic fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in 2019.
The thieves made off with eight invaluable items, including a sapphire diadem, a necklace, and an earring associated with the 19th-century queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense. Additionally, the criminals took an emerald necklace and earrings linked to Empress Marie-Louise, the second wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, as well as a reliquary brooch. Among the stolen treasures was also Empress Eugénie’s diamond diadem and a large corsage-bow brooch, both notable for their exquisite craftsmanship.
One significant piece, Eugénie’s emerald-set imperial crown adorned with over 1,300 diamonds, was later discovered outside the museum, albeit damaged but repairable. This piece of news brought some relief to visitors and the general public, who expressed hope for the recovery of the other stolen jewels.
As news of the arrests spread, reactions from the public reflected a mix of relief and concern. Louvre visitors such as Freddy Jacquemet remarked on the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage, while others, like Diana Ramirez, emphasized the critical question of whether the stolen jewels could be retrieved. “That’s what really matters,” she stated, underscoring the significance of these treasures to France's cultural identity.
